By Tlalane Dlamini
Senator Linda Nxumalo is representing the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Southern African Region at the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) Election Observation Mission, which commenced on 25 October 2025 and runs until 31 October 2025 in Tanzania.
The mission, led by the Steering Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region, brings together senior women parliamentarians from across the continent to observe and support the conduct of democratic elections through a gender-responsive lens.
This initiative underscores the CPA Africa Region’s enduring commitment to advancing transparent governance, electoral integrity, and women’s political participation across Africa.
Eswatini currently chairs the CPA Southern Africa Region, which includes South Africa, Lesotho, and Namibia. In this capacity, Senator Nxumalo serves as the regional representative, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of Southern Africa are effectively integrated into the CWP’s continental agenda.
“I am honoured to participate in the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians Election Monitoring Mission for the first time, representing the Southern Africa region on the CWP Steering Committee,” said Senator Nxumalo. “This mission provides an opportunity to strengthen democratic governance, share best practices, and learn from diverse electoral experiences across the Commonwealth.
As parliamentarians, we are custodians of transparency, fairness, and accountability. Through this mission, I aim to deepen my understanding of how these values are implemented in practice—particularly in fostering inclusive participation and gender equality in electoral processes.
As Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus in Eswatini, I intend to apply the insights gained here to further empower women in political leadership and amplify their voices in governance. This engagement is not only a learning opportunity but also a step toward building a more credible and gender-responsive democracy in our region.”
Throughout the mission, delegates will meet with Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), observe polling and tallying processes in Dodoma, and engage with government, civil society, and electoral stakeholders. The mission will conclude with a Steering Committee evaluation meeting, aimed at compiling recommendations to enhance electoral transparency and inclusivity across Africa.
Senator Nxumalo’s participation reflects Eswatini’s growing leadership in regional parliamentary diplomacy, particularly in advancing gender equality, democratic governance, and institutional collaboration. Her involvement reinforces the country’s contribution to shaping Africa’s parliamentary and electoral development agenda within the broader Commonwealth framework.
About the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP)
The Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) is a key network under the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), dedicated to advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership in political and public life. The CWP connects women legislators from the CPA’s 180-member parliaments, fostering knowledge exchange, promoting inclusive governance, and supporting democratic resilience across the Commonwealth.